Memphis doctor Edmund Ukov remembered as "kind and gentle"

Even at age 92, Dr. Edmund Utkov had been so full of life and energy that his death Thursday came as a something of a shock, his son said. .

"After it was over I went to our old house at 1049 Audubon Drive, and my old elementary school, and a flood of emotions and memories just came back," said Neil Utkov, 53. "Just the thought of him keeps me smiling. We're happy for him. He had a good, full life."

His life included helping others with his family practice doctor's office and philanthropic gifts given to various venues around Memphis.

"Dr. Utkov was a kind and gentle spirit who loved the arts and his community, and taught his children to do the same," said Chantal Drake, director of communications for Dixon Gallery and Gardens, in a statement. "He left his footprint on the Dixon and will be fondly remembered."

Utkov said his father and mother, Lida Utkov, were great friends who made their philanthropic decisions as a team.

"He always felt like Memphis was good to him and he wanted to give back," Utkov said. "He had some extra cash and that is how he decided to spend it."

Dr. Utkov was a devout family man, his son said.

"He and mom were married for 56 years," Utkov said. "He was never the same without her."

Jennifer Kruchten, 49, said her father was very selfless.

"If he had it he would give it," Kruchten said.

Deborah Matthews, 49, said growing up with her father was like being in a classroom because Dr. Utkov exposed them to the world.

"I don't care if we were on a cruise boat, at the end of the day he would ask us, ‘What did you learn today and how does that contribute to the world?'" Matthews said.

"I'm sad for our loss, but we're blessed to have had him for as long we did," Kruchten said.

Dr. Utkov had six children Gary Utkov, 66, of Dallas; Bruce Utkov, deceased (2010); Mark Utkov, 56 of Austin; Neil Utkov, 53, Deborah Matthews, 49; and Jennifer Kruchten, 49, all of Memphis. Dr. Utkov also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family asks that donations be made to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, WKNO, or the charity of choosing in lieu of flowers and gifts.

Memorial Services will be held at the Church of the Holy Communion at 3 p.m. As Dr. Utkov has donated his body to science, internment will occur at a later date.